Charles Hendry, Minister of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change, said the strength of the United Kingdom means ministers can “fight hard” to ensure the EU does not introduce regulations that hit profits.

He used a letter to Oil and Gas UK, which represents the industry, to emphasise the Government’s success in opposing a European ban on drilling in the aftermath of the BP Gulf of Mexico disaster.

In a charm offensive aimed at the heart of the SNP’s economic case for separation, he also promised a favourable tax regime that “encourages investment and innovation”.

The minister said he was writing because “the forthcoming referendum on Scottish independence is a point of uncertainty that could cause concern to your members”.

The letter, ostensibly to inform the industry of today’s (weds) launch of the 27th licensing round for companies to drill in the United Kingdom’s Continental Shelf (UKCS), is likely to infuriate Alex Salmond.

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The First Minister and the oil industry were united in their condemnation last year of the Chancellor’s surprise decision last year to impose a £2 billion North Sea windfall tax.

The revenue was used allocated for a petrol price stabiliser, whereby the fuel duty paid by drivers at the pump would fall when oil prices increase. However, competition for the right to drill is expected to be fierce in the licensing round.

Mr Hendry told Malcolm Webb, the chief executive of Oil and Gas UK: “With many billions of barrels yet to be produced, the UKCS remains a considerable asset and the Government is committed to ensure it brings the greatest possible benefit to the UK.”

Referring to the aftermath of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, he wrote: “We were effective at preventing an unnecessary and harmful European moratorium on drilling.

“I would like to assure you that he we are fighting hard to ensure Scotland and the rest of the UK’s interests are protected and any future measures do not undermine the hard-won effectiveness of our regime.”

He added the UK provides the industry with a “stable and consistent regulatory environment that gives long-term confidence to industry and stimulates investment”.

Mr Salmond has yet to announce the tax regime he would introduce in an independent Scotland, which he has said would inherit the vast majority of the UK’s oilfields.

However, he would have to cover the cost of continuing universal benefits such as free care for the elderly and free prescriptions. In addition, he has said he would siphon off money into an oil fund to invest for future generations.

The dangers of an independent Scotland relying on oil to fund public services were exposed in December when official figures showed that expected revenues had dropped by nearly £15 billion in the preceding eight months.

But David Cameron has criticised those who claim the oil industry was in decline, stating that although about 40 billion barrels had been extracted since the 1970s, about 20 billion barrels remain.